Course Overview
Begin by learning the fundamentals in a classroom setting, then apply that knowledge on the farm. You'll gain practical experience with both livestock and crop farming, all while using the latest farming equipment.
Our agriculture students leave industry-ready, with work experience hours incorporated into the year. We’ll keep you up to date with cutting-edge farming technologies and smart farming practices in our £2 million Agri-Tech Centre.
This course will run across 4 days a week with Work Placement completed throughout the year on the 5th day.
Units of study:
- Professional Working Relationships
- Work Experience in the Land-based Sectors
- Applied Agricultural Farming Practice
- Land-based Machinery Operations
- Farm Livestock Husbandry
Our commercial Home Farm is the perfect place to get hands-on and apply your learning in practice. Develop your applied skills with access to smart farming technology in our £2 million Agri-Tech Centre, arable and livestock enterprises, farm workshops, an advanced dairy parlour, 400-hectares of award-winning farmland across five sites, and dedicated classrooms. Investment continues with the recent installation of 2 Robotic Milking machines and new Calf-Hub and a focus on digital skills.
Assessment will be through a combination of practical and written assignments that reflect real-life agricultural tasks and scenarios. You’ll complete projects, reports, and practical assessments linked to crop and livestock husbandry, machinery operation, and estate management. There are no formal written exams, with your progress measured through coursework and practical evidence built up across the year. This approach allows you to demonstrate both your knowledge and your applied skills in a hands-on, industry-focused way.
On completion, you should have a thorough understanding of your subject and be ready to progress onto the final year of the Diploma in Agriculture.
Our students have gone on to complete specialist agriculture degrees at Hartpury University and other institutions. This could lead to a career as a:
- Farm Worker
- Herdsperson
- Machinery Operator
- Stockperson
- Farm Management
- Land Management
- Sales and Marketing
Course Overview
Course information
Begin by learning the fundamentals in a classroom setting, then apply that knowledge on the farm. You'll gain practical experience with both livestock and crop farming, all while using the latest farming equipment.
Our agriculture students leave industry-ready, with work experience hours incorporated into the year. We’ll keep you up to date with cutting-edge farming technologies and smart farming practices in our £2 million Agri-Tech Centre.
This course will run across 4 days a week with Work Placement completed throughout the year on the 5th day.
What you’ll learn
Units of study:
- Professional Working Relationships
- Work Experience in the Land-based Sectors
- Applied Agricultural Farming Practice
- Land-based Machinery Operations
- Farm Livestock Husbandry
How you’ll learn
Our commercial Home Farm is the perfect place to get hands-on and apply your learning in practice. Develop your applied skills with access to smart farming technology in our £2 million Agri-Tech Centre, arable and livestock enterprises, farm workshops, an advanced dairy parlour, 400-hectares of award-winning farmland across five sites, and dedicated classrooms. Investment continues with the recent installation of 2 Robotic Milking machines and new Calf-Hub and a focus on digital skills.
How you’ll be assessed
Assessment will be through a combination of practical and written assignments that reflect real-life agricultural tasks and scenarios. You’ll complete projects, reports, and practical assessments linked to crop and livestock husbandry, machinery operation, and estate management. There are no formal written exams, with your progress measured through coursework and practical evidence built up across the year. This approach allows you to demonstrate both your knowledge and your applied skills in a hands-on, industry-focused way.
What can you do after this course?
On completion, you should have a thorough understanding of your subject and be ready to progress onto the final year of the Diploma in Agriculture.
Our students have gone on to complete specialist agriculture degrees at Hartpury University and other institutions. This could lead to a career as a:
- Farm Worker
- Herdsperson
- Machinery Operator
- Stockperson
- Farm Management
- Land Management
- Sales and Marketing
3 GCSEs at grade 4 or above to include either Maths or English Language.
You should expect some small costs for books and stationery. There will also be opportunities to take part in trips related to the topics you are studying. These trips incur a charge/are covered by the educational visits fee.
Students are required to pay a non-refundable educational visits fee at enrolment.
Do Level 3 Agriculture diplomas lead to university?
Yes – depending on the size of diploma you complete and your overall grades, you can progress to higher education, including agriculture-related university degrees at Hartpury or elsewhere.
Will I get practical experience?
Absolutely. All Level 3 diplomas combine classroom learning with hands-on training on our commercial farm. You’ll also complete regular work placements to develop your skills and build confidence in industry settings.
Why study Agriculture at Hartpury College?
Whether you’re studying Agriculture, Livestock Production, Engineering, or Countryside Management, our 500-hectare farm estate will be your classroom. You’ll have the opportunity to get involved in every aspect of farming and estate operation; whether it’s milking in the dairy unit, maintaining farm machinery or active participation in routine farm and countryside management duties.
Why study Agriculture at Hartpury College?
Whether you’re studying Agriculture, Livestock Production, Engineering, or Countryside Management, our 500-hectare farm estate will be your classroom. You’ll have the opportunity to get involved in every aspect of farming and estate operation; whether it’s milking in the dairy unit, maintaining farm machinery or active participation in routine farm and countryside management duties.
Outstanding
Rated 'Ofsted Outstanding in all areas' for academic and curriculum-related provision
99.8% pass-rate
With a 99.2% BTEC pass rate (Hartpury College 2025), our outcomes for students are exceptional.
Living in on-site college accommodation at Hartpury, you’ll be part of a vibrant and international community of students of all ages who share their experience of life at college and university together on one campus.
The Hartpury Certificate is an enrichment programme designed to support our students to grow.
A-levels or a diploma?
Are you unsure about whether A-levels or a BTEC Diploma are the right choice for you? Find out the key differences and which qualification would best suit your learning style and your career and further study ambitions on our dedicated page.
Similar courses
Level 2 Diploma Agriculture
Get career-ready by learning in a 360-hectare classroom and working with livestock and arable on our working farm. Experience the agriculture industry first-hand and develop your skills with external work experience.
Level 2 Technical Certificate in Land-based Engineering
If you have a keen interest in and understanding of land-based industries, have a practical and enquiring mind, and want a varied working environment with current technology, then this course is ideal for you.
Level 3 Foundation Diploma Countryside Management (Gamekeeping)
Develop an in-depth understanding across a wide range of agricultural subjects on our 360-hectare classroom. Work with livestock and arable on our working farm. Experience the agriculture industry first-hand and develop your skills with external work experience.
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